A bathtub is one of the most lavish and attractive fixtures in your home. It’s not only a cozy space to soak in and unwind but also boosts your bathroom’s appearance.
However, if it gets stained with unsightly marks, it completely defeats the purpose. You won’t feel like using it anymore. It will also leave a poor impression on guests.
But don’t worry because this step-wise guide is your all-in-one solution. From how to get rid of yellow bathtub stains to red and black ones, you’ll find all the answers here!
Step 1: Recognize the bathtub material
Not all cleaning solutions are suitable/safe for every bathtub. Understand and identify your bathtub material and avoid damaging it! Some common materials are:
- Porcelain: It’s highly durable but susceptible to stains and scratches, so you must use non-abrasive cleaning solutions.
- Fiberglass: This is a pocket-friendly bathtub material but highly sensitive to scrubbing and strong chemicals. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools on this.
- Acrylic: It’s one of the most popular and lightweight bathtub materials. Skip corrosive chemicals and harsh cleaning tools.
- Enamel-coated cast iron: These are renowned for their sturdiness. However, the enamel chips off with regular use. They need a milder cleaning agent and tools.
Note: Test the cleaning solution and cleaning tool on an inconspicuous corner of your bathtub before starting. The patch test will prevent ruining the tub.
Step 2: Identify the stain type
Next, you must recognize the core cause of the stain. After all, different stains need different treatments. Here are different ways to identify stains based on color:
- Yellow and brown stains are the most common. They’re formed due to iron, calcium, and manganese minerals in hard water.
- Red stains are usually rust from old iron pipes and fixtures or iron in the water.
- Black stains are due to mold, mildew, and moss growth stains. They’re caused by the high moisture in a poorly ventilated environment.
- Blue and green stains are due to worn-out copper pipes when the water pH is highly acidic.
- Pink stains, on the flip side, are a result of a specific kind of (biofilm-forming) bacteria that thrive in humid areas like showers and bathtubs.
- Gray/white residue is due to a mixture of soap scum and minerals in water.
- Hair dye and bath bomb stains
Step 3: Prepare the bathroom for action
While looking for guides on how to remove stubborn bathtub stains, most people focus on the overall process and forget the basics.
You need a lot of space to kneel and access the entire tub. So, start making space. Remove all the shampoo and conditioner bottles, soap, loofah, and toys from the tub ledge.
Next, keep the window (if any) open for a while or turn on the exhaust fan to ventilate the bathroom. You will feel more comfortable working in a space with fresh air.
Gather gloves and masks to protect your skin and respiratory system from the chemicals.
Step 4: Try the simplest method
The wisest rule of “how to remove water stains from a bathtub” begins with a simple, homemade DIY cleaner.
If the stain isn’t deep-seated or isn’t years old, it usually comes off with this approach.
- Thoroughly mix liquid dish soap with warm water.
- Take equal parts of the liquid dish soap solution and white vinegar. Pour in a spray bottle and shake vigorously.
- Spray this on the stain generously on a small part and leave it untouched for 5-15 minutes.
- Return after the time frame and scrub.
If this works, repeat for the entire tub! If you’re not comfortable doing the strenuous task by yourself, consider hiring professionals.
Step 5: Take special action for specific colored stains
If the simple approach doesn’t work and you have colored stains, here are some detailed cleaning guides for each.
How to remove yellow stains from a bathtub?
Hard water causes dirty and ugly rings. For brown and yellow bathtub stain removal, follow this process:
- Fill the tub with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water until it covers all the stained zones. If you think this is wasteful, place a heavily soaked towel on the stained areas.
- Leave it overnight or more, and scrub the tub with a sponge or brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with water until the scent of vinegar goes.
How do you remove red or blue/green stains from a bathtub?
Red stains from rust and blue/green stains from copper can be removed with lemon and salt. The citric acid in lemon softens the metal deposition, and the salt acts as an abrasive. Use them according to the following guide:
- Slice a lemon in half and dip it in a plate full of coarse salt.
- Rub this lemon on the stain vigorously. Be gentler if your bathtub material is prone to scratches.
- Rinse after stain removal.
Note: Avoid using salt on acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs. Don’t use lemon on stone bathtubs.
How to remove black bathtub stains?
The gross black stains of mold can be quite gross. But it doesn’t require harsh chemicals. Instead, follow this method:
- Mix baking soda and water and form a paste.
- Apply generously to the black stains until they are completely covered.
- Scrub after 30 minutes with a soft sponge or nylon brush.
How to remove pink bathtub stains?
Pink stains usually go away with a simple cleaning method (step 4). If it doesn’t, fix the discolored bathtub with these steps:
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in 1:1 proportions in a spray bottle.
- Spray on the stains and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Scrub using a nylon brush/soft sponge and rinse.
How to remove water stains from the bathtub–the gray/white residue?
For gray and white soap scum, follow these steps:
- Cover the stains with baking soda.
- Spray water over it to make it like a paste.
- Scrub the marks in a circular motion with a sponge. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
How to remove dye/bathbomb stains from a bathtub?
You can remove hair dye and bath bomb stains by using either of the following:
- Blot the stain using a cotton ball/pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol until clean and rinse.
- Apply oxygen bleach and water paste on the stain. Scrub gently after 30 minutes and rinse.
Step 6: Use the aggressive option
If nothing works, go with this more aggressive method that’s suitable for all tubs:
- Create a 2:1 baking soda and hydrogen peroxide concoction. Adjust the proportions until you get a thick but spreadable paste.
- Apply on the stains and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub lightly using a soft brush/sponge. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
Step 7: Take preventative measures
Besides these, you must also take additional steps to prevent bathtub staining, such as the following:
- Switch on the exhaust fan during the shower. Let it run for 15 more minutes afterward to expel most of the humidity. This prevents mold formation.
- Clean the shower weekly to prevent shower yellow stains.
- Fix leaky faucets to avoid shower yellow stains.
- If the water smells strange, seek a plumber.
- Clean the tub after every use to prevent soap scum and oil accumulation.
Conclusion
With these steps, make your bathtub as good as new. In addition, regularly clean and maintain it to lengthen its longevity and reduce the frequency of strenuous cleanups.
If the stain is too strong, it’s better to seek professionals. We at MaidforHaven offer you the most diligent and top professional cleaning crew that’s been vetted by our system. Contact us and get a satisfying cleaning session now!
